Private Plates General FAQ'S

General FAQ's

1. I have seen my own registration number being offered for sale and do not recall giving authority, why is it listed?

   In addition to selling thousands of our own stock items we also hold public commissions and the stock and commissions of many other dealers throughout the UK. Occasionally, records are miss-typed and appear as an alternative combination that is in fact not for sale. Also, there are circumstances where a recently acquired mark is still on our database due to the fact that the donor has failed to advise us of the sale and subsequent non-availability. If you have recently noted that your mark is listed and wish to provide us with further information or wish us to remove it from the website, please send an email to errors@newreg.com and specify the registration mark with the validation character for confirmation.

2. What is a registration number and who has entitlement to it?

   Registration numbers are not items of property in their own right. They are assigned, and may be withdrawn, by the Secretary of State as part of the basic registration and licensing process which is required by law. The registration number is a unique means of identifying a vehicle, primarily for taxation and law enforcement purposes. It is assigned to the vehicle, rather than its keeper, and unless it is transferred or retained the registration number normally remains with the vehicle until it is broken up, destroyed or sent permanently out of the country.
   
   An individual acquires entitlement to a registration number when he or she becomes the registered keeper of the vehicle which carries the number. When the vehicle changes hands, entitlement to its registration number will automatically pass with the vehicle to the new keeper unless use is made of the special facilities which have been designed to allow motorists to acquire and retain particular registration numbers. Namely, the Cherished Transfer, Retention and Sale of Marks schemes.

3. Where can I buy a special registration number?

   Right here! www.newreg.co.uk

4. How do I get a specific number released if it has never been issued?

   In short there are no guarantees of getting any registration number issued that does not exist. Some marks are not issued because they are considered offensive, others just never made it to issue. You can request DVLA issue a previously unissued number to their Custom Marks Auction.

5. How can I safeguard my entitlement to a number?

   Entitlement to a number is effectively the right of the registered keeper of a vehicle to apply to have the number transferred to another vehicle (either their own or someone else's). The keeper is also entitled to apply to have the number of their vehicle put on retention, that is to say take the number off the vehicle and put it on hold pending re-assignment to another vehicle. It is important to note that the keeper may apply, but the application will only be granted if all the conditions relating to the retention and transfer facilities are satisfied. You can help to safeguard your entitlement, therefore, by ensuring that your vehicle is able to meet these conditions.
   
   If you no longer have the vehicle which properly displays the number (i.e. it is in someone else's keepership or has been scrapped, broken up, destroyed or exported) then your entitlement to the number ceases.

6. Are there any special rules for motorcycles / mopeds?

   No, all motorcycles (including mopeds) can participate freely, provided the normal requirements of the number transfer facility are met.

7. What if my assignment / retention documents are due to expire and I do not have a receiving vehicle for the number?

   IMPORTANT : There is no obligation on the DVLA or New Reg to send you a reminder. It is your responsibility to know when your rights are due to expire and it is up to you to either assign the number or apply for an extension before this happens. Your rights will be lost if you act too late.

8. Can I add or change nominee details on my certificate of entitlement / retention document?

   These details can be added to or changed later for an administration charge of £29.40 payable to New Reg. Certificate of Entitlements and Retention Certificates MUST have a minimum of 30 days left prior to the expiry date.

9. What if I decide that I no longer want the number?

   You do not have to assign the number if you do not wish to; you can simply allow your assignment / retention rights to expire. You need take no further action.

10. What happens to my registration number if I export my vehicle?

    You are legally obliged to notify the governing bodies if you are taking your vehicle abroad for more than 12 months. More information on this can be found at https://www.gov.uk/taking-vehicles-out-of-uk.

11. I have an old vehicle which is not registered at DVLA. Can I register the vehicle and transfer or retain its registration number?

    It is possible for the vehicle to be registered by the DVLA but you will not be able to transfer or retain its number.

12. My V5C says my registration number is non-transferable. Can I transfer a cherished number onto my vehicle?

    Although you cannot transfer or retain a non-transferable number, the vehicle can receive a registration number providing the non-transferable number is not a ‘Q’ mark and providing the vehicle meets the normal conditions of the Cherished Transfer, Retention and Sale of Marks schemes.

13. I have seen Northern Ireland registration numbers advertised. Can I transfer one onto my vehicle?

    Yes, providing the donor and recipient vehicles are registered at the DVLA.

14. I have an old style log book / registration document but the vehicle no longer exists. Can I claim the registration number?

    No. Once a vehicle has ceased to exist, entitlement to its number also ceases.